Close Quarters Combat Tactics

There are plenty or reasons why cops need close quarters combat tactics in the field. The first is for them to be able to handle themselves in a fight, even without their firearms. While a firearm is standard issue for any officer of the law, you never know when your weapon will be taken away from you. In times like these, a police officer can only rely on his own intelligence, whatever equipment he has with him, and his own body, to still be an effective enforcer of the law. Training in the use of the tactical knife, baton, other melee weapons, and various unarmed martial arts, can save the life of a police officer. The focus of such training is the quick neutralization of threats and suspects. This includes knowing how to use distance and leverage to either avoid lethal damage or disarm your opponent during combat. Additionally, the use of melee weapons, including your own two hands and feet, presents non-lethal alternatives to firearms.

The second is for them to have a better sense of distance when shooting or striking. In all types of combat situations, it’s important to be able to measure distance accurately in order to strike or shoot effectively. Through proper training in close quarters combat, police officers are better able to achieve good timing as they try to take suspects down. The third is for police officers who work in an urban setting.
A lot of the action that urban police officers see takes place in close quarters. This goes double for police officers with SWAT training. In this type of combat setting, a key element is how quickly the officer can respond to threats, as well as to other elements in the situation (like hostages). Through proper training, police officers can achieve the necessary skills in order to survive and actually be effective in close quarters combat.